In a rather unusual move, SAG-AFTRA, the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, has issued strict Halloween costume guidelines for actors currently participating in the ongoing strike.
The union has prohibited its members from dressing up as popular characters from struck content and sharing these images on social media.
According to a story in The Hollywood Reporter, some of the most beloved Halloween costume choices this year, including iconic characters like Barbie and Wednesday Addams, are off the table for striking actors. Instead, the guild has advised its members to opt for costumes inspired by generalized characters and figures, such as ghosts, zombies, or spiders.
While the intention behind this directive is to prevent the promotion of struck content by striking actors, it’s an interesting twist on the traditional Halloween festivities. The guild has urged its members to choose their costumes mindfully to send a powerful message to the struck employers that they will not endorse their content without a fair contract.
REELated:
It’s important to note that actors are allowed to dress up as characters from non-struck content, such as those from animated TV shows. However, there are exceptions, even within this category. For instance, dressing up as Marvel superheroes is not permitted, as they are owned by Disney, despite their comic book roots.
The reasoning behind these costume guidelines revolves around character ownership technicalities. While, for example, Barbie is owned by Mattel, it’s best to avoid costumes that may inadvertently promote content associated with major studios.
As the SAG-AFTRA strike approaches its 100th day, it’s evident that both the guild and its members are committed to making a stand. While there’s no explicit prohibition on dressing up as struck characters in private, actors are encouraged to uphold the spirit of the strike and avoid actions that may inadvertently undermine their cause. After all, there’s nothing scarier than being called out for undermining a strike.
For Reel 360 News’ full strike coverage, click here.
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